Jim Ross' Blog: OU-Cin

Firstly, after a 57-2 victory over an obviously outmanned UTC squad, the one thing I feel compelled to say is that the UTC players never seemed to quit even when they knew their efforts were futile. There is something to be said for any team who doesn’t decide to phone it in after getting beat on like a government mule. 

Random thoughts about the Cincinnati game this Saturday at 2:30 on ABC: 

• The point spread feels a little fat at -21 points. Would you settle for a 34-17 win?

 

• A team with 9 returning defensive starters, including 2 All Americans that won 10 games a season ago isn’t being taken lightly.

 

• Don’t expect to see the Sooners score repeatedly on short drives ala UTC because the Bearcats have the nation’s top punter returning who averaged 45 yds per kick. The field position battle will take on a significant different appearance this week.

 

• I have read where knowledgeable NFL scouts have said that the Cincinnati has 10 seniors on their team with viable NFL potential. The Bearcats have good, solid players from football rich parts of the map and that’s not hype.

 

• DT Terrill Byrd, 2nd team All American in ’07, is a concern for the Sooners as he is stronger than he looks and penetrates well. Duke Robinson and Brandon Walker meet Mr. Byrd.

 

• The Sooner defense is going to be better than perhaps some thought. English, McCoy and company remind old schoolers of men named Selmon and Elrod of another national title era. The old football cliché that a great pass rush is the best pass defense still works for me.

 

• Can we expect to see #85 Ryan Broyles see some action Saturday in his hometown? Broyles has the natural ability to catch the ball in front of defenders and create yards after the catch.  Is Broyles the next Mark Clayton? Let’s not get carried away but Broyles can make plays.

 

• One can assume that OT Phil Loadholt will be back on the field against the Bearcats and the giant left tackle needs to play consistently and in an imposing way on every series. Living on potential won’t buy the groceries over the long haul especially at the next level of football.

 

• Cincy Coach Brian Kelly has been talking all week about how “critical” this game is for his program, the city of Cincinnati, the parents of the players, their pets, and for future generations of Bearcats. O.K. some of that is embellished but the “critical” aspect is true. This game will be like a nationally televised bowl game for the team from the Big East.

 

• With that point made, Sooner fans need to provide an embellished “home field advantage” for the Sooners Saturday afternoon and make it difficult for Cincy QB Dustin Grutza to be heard. That would mean on every offensive snap for Cincinnati. Passion is infectious.

 

• Cincy runs the no huddle, spread offense akin to what the Sooners are now doing which has helped OU’s defense prepare for Saturday considering that they see this scheme every day in practice.

 

• Cincinnati is an opportunistic team that created a whopping, 42 turnovers in 2007. With creating turnovers comes “hope” and OU will be well served to stomp the “hope” out of our guests before the 4th quarter begins.  

 

• When a team with an experienced QB like Cincy utilizes 3 or 4 wide receivers, there is always the concern for a “blown coverage” and an easy TD. Nothing can be allowed to come easy for Cincinnati Saturday afternoon under what is expected to be an 85 degree day with a chance of a shower.

 

• Austin Box had a solid week of practice but the Enid linebacker looked a little gimpy on the Sooner sideline Saturday night. The ascension of the talented Box will greatly enhance the OU LB depth which has been pleasantly contributed to by Travis Lewis who is the real deal.

 

• Many Sooner fans are anxious to see how well field goal kicker Jimmy Stevens does after not attempting a field goal last week. Somewhere down the road in ‘08 a FG is going to be crucial for the Sooners.

 

• How awesome is the new scoreboard on the south end of the stadium? The Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium feels even more special with the new digital, HD scoreboard and the enhanced sound. Owen Field is truly the greatest place on earth. 

 

• The Sooners have won an impressive 19 straight home games, the nation’s best.

 

• Sam Bradford is even more of a “Big Easy” this season as he is so focused and in total control. Sam’s natural leadership skills will continue to help the offense evolve but the sophomore captain’s presence helps the whole team. #14 is the undisputed CEO of the offensive huddle in a much more authoritative way than even in his amazing redshirt freshman season of a year ago. Let’s keep “Slinging Sam” upright and his uniform clean and all will be well in Soonerland.

 

• Finally there is no place that I had rather be than at the OU-Cincinnati game Saturday afternoon. I consider it a privilege every time I step foot on the hallowed grounds of Owen Field.

 Thanks for checking out weekly ramblings and for making J.R.’s Family BBQ Restaurants a part of your OU football experience. We do tail gate packs and to go orders in both our locations in Moore, I-35 at exit 116 just south of the Warren Theatre, and in Norman at I-35 and Main Street at exit 109. Plus, we will be open after the game in both locales with plenty of football on our flat screen HD TV’s. You can check out our restaurant info at www.jrsbarbq.com. Boomer Sooner! J.R.